InfoSAWIT, PEKANBARU – GAPKI has reaffirmed its commitment to preventing forest and land fires by joining a wildfire preparedness roll call alongside Indonesia’s Ministry of Environment in Riau, as concerns mount over dry weather linked to a potential El Niño event.

The move reflects growing urgency to strengthen cross-sector coordination as Indonesia faces heightened wildfire risks driven by prolonged dry conditions, declining rainfall, and vulnerable peatland ecosystems.

Environment Minister Hanif Faisol Nurofiq warned that 2026 could bring elevated fire risks, particularly in peat-rich regions such as Riau.

“Low rainfall combined with highly vulnerable peatland conditions significantly increases drought risk. Riau remains one of the country’s most fire-prone regions, given its extensive peat coverage and vast canal network,” Hanif said.

He added that forest and land fires nationwide have already burned more than 52,000 hectares, marking a sharp increase compared with the same period last year.

Responding to the warning, GAPKI Executive Director Mukti Sardjono said the palm oil industry is ready to intensify prevention measures through stronger early warning systems, improved firefighting capacity, and deeper collaboration with government agencies and local communities.

He noted that GAPKI members consistently apply a Zero Burning Policy as part of the sector’s sustainability commitments, while continuing investments in fire prevention infrastructure such as watchtowers, water reservoirs, and technology-based monitoring systems.

“GAPKI and all member companies remain committed to strengthening integrated wildfire prevention. This includes reinforcing internal fire brigades and supporting community-based fire awareness groups in high-risk areas,” Mukti said.

GAPKI has also issued wildfire management guidelines for plantation companies and circulated advisories on the projected 2026 dry season and its operational impacts.

The coordinated preparedness initiative sends a strong signal that Indonesia’s palm oil sector is moving toward more proactive, collaborative, and operational wildfire mitigation—an important step in protecting both the environment and surrounding communities from recurring haze disasters. (T2)